All Church abuse articles
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News AnalysisExplained: Who was Chris Brain and what was the Nine O’Clock Service?
Chris Brain, leader of the now-disgraced Nine O’Clock Service (NOS) has been convicted of multiple counts of indecent assault. It is the latest scandal to rock the CofE and once again poses questions around complaints that were ignored for years
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Real Life‘The Jesus Army nearly broke my faith – but Christ’s teachings still sustain me’
The Jesus Fellowship Church started as a small Christian commune but became one of the most abusive cults in Britain. Since closing in 2019, it has paid out more than £7.7m in compensation to abuse survivors and twelve members have been convicted of sexual offences. John Everett shares his story of how he was recruited into the Jesus Army, and what happened when he left
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Magazine FeaturesTirades of abuse, constant criticism and physical assault: Meet the church leaders abused by their congregations
As one church leader reports being afraid to open their emails in anticipation of the abuse they’re likely to receive, Heather Tomlinson investigates the claim that pastors - not congregants - are the most common victims of spiritual abuse
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OpinionWhy holiness, hunger and humility can prevent moral failure in the Church
A new scandal involving a pastor, Christian musician or ministry leader seems to come to light most months. It would be easy to become cynical, admits Alain Emerson. But God is raising up holy, humble, hungry leaders – they just may not be the ones you imagine
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OpinionDr Michael Brown has been accused of sexual misconduct. He should not return to ministry
An independent report has said the prominent Christian apologist Dr Michael Brown engaged in “sexually abusive misconduct” yet those who commissioned the report have cleared him to return to ministry. We must not confuse forgiveness with re-admittance to leadership - it’s re-traumatising for victims and unsafe for the Church, argues Gavin Drake
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Magazine Features8 ways to prevent prophetic abuse in your church
How can your church create a safe, biblical culture around the powerful gift of prophecy? David Shadbolt shares wisdom on guarding against the manipulation it’s vulnerable to, while making room for the Spirit to move
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Opinion4 ways your church can dismantle sexism and empower women
Reports have emerged that crossbow killer, Clifford Kyle, accessed misogynistic content from Andrew Tate before raping and murdering his ex-girlfriend, and killing her sister and mother. These heartbreaking stories, along with others from inside the Church, demonstrate the need to ensure women’s equality and safety are prioritised, says Emma Hide, writing on the eve of International Women’s Day
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Magazine FeaturesWhy are some church leaders abusive? As a priest and psychotherapist this is what I think is going on
Hurt people hurt people, as the saying goes. Rev Karen Hunter Kriwald looks at how narcissism and trauma may be effecting Christian leaders
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InterviewsNew Wine trustee Bishop Jill Duff: ‘I’m sad Mike Pilavachi hasn’t apologised’
An independent review into the links between Mike Pilavachi and New Wine has found that senior leaders at New Wine failed to ensure that Pilavachi was fit for youth ministry. Premier’s Kelly Valencia speaks to Rt Rev Jill Duff, Bishop of Lancaster and chair of trustees of New Wine, about the findings
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Opinion‘It’s time to step aside’ - an open letter to the Archbishop of York
If the Church of England is to see real change, it needs leaders to be accountable for when things go wrong, says Rev Dr Ian Paul in an open letter to Most Rev Stephen Cottrell, Archbishop of York
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OpinionThe Church of England must change in order for women to be safe
When the Bishop of Warrington made a complaint against her boss, the Bishop of Liverpool, she was sent on study leave while he remained in position – until a Channel 4 investigation shone a light on the story. If women are ever to feel safe in the Church, things have to change, says Martine Oborne
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OpinionThe Children’s Society were wrong to cancel Welby - but I understand why they did
Refusing a donation from the Archbishop of Canterbury makes sense in our ’cancel culture’ society, says Miriam Cates. And until the CofE starts putting people above process, the problems will remain
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News AnalysisWhy is the leader of a once-thriving London church being deported?
Tobi Adegboyega, founder of the now defunct SPAC Nation church, faces deportation after losing his appeal to the Immigration Tribunal to stay in the UK. George Luke explains what has taken place
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News AnalysisThe scandal that brought down the Archbishop of Canterbury
After facing mounting pressure, Most Rev Justin Welby has become the first Archbishop of Canterbury ever to resign. Tim Wyatt has the full story
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Opinion7 ways to make the Church a safer place for everyone
It will take more than Justin Welby’s resignation to prevent abuse in the Church, says Susie Leafe. We all need to play our part
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OpinionJustin Welby’s resignation is too little too late for victims of abuse
The Archbishop of Canterbury had to step down. But it’s what happens next that will decide the fate of the Church of England, says abuse survivor Samantha Smith
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OpinionAtheists won’t find God in a church, so we must meet them where they are
George Pitcher might be an Anglican Priest, but he reckons a church-centric faith is no longer fit for purpose.
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OpinionA generation of young people have been let down - and not just by Mike Pilavachi
As the Scolding Report reveals institutional failings and warns of a culture of silence, Andrew Graystone says it’s time for church leaders to speak to those who have been hurt by Soul Survivor and its founder’s actions
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Regular ColumnistsBeware Christians who disguise suspicion as discernment
We should be grateful when narcissists are exposed and justice follows. But there’s a dark side to increased levels of suspicion, warns Jeff Lucas
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Magazine FeaturesSoul Survivors: The inside story of how Mike Pilavachi's abuse was uncovered
Megan Cornwell has spent the past twelve months investigating one of the most shocking scandals to hit the UK evangelical Church in recent years. Here she explains what her reporting for Premier Christianity’s critically acclaimed podcast series has uncovered
